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Key Points

A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet experienced an emergency during the Red Flag air exercise in Alaska, forcing two pilots to eject safely. The incident occurred during takeoff at Eielson Air Force Base, with pilots sustaining only minor burns and lacerations. This marks the first known accident involving a South Korean fighter jet overseas during an international military training exercise. The South Korean Air Force plans to investigate the exact circumstances of the accident in cooperation with US military authorities.

Key Points: South Korean KF-16 Pilots Escape Jet Accident in Alaska

  • - KF-16 fighter jet experienced emergency during US-led multinational Red Flag exercise
2 min read

Pilots escape after South Korean KF-16 fighter jet accident in Alaska

Two South Korean pilots safely eject during Red Flag exercise after emergency situation during takeoff at Eielson Air Force Base

"The two pilots visited a US Army hospital and are currently recovering. - South Korean Air Force"

Seoul, June 11

Pilots made an emergency escape following an accident involving a South Korean KF-16 fighter jet taking part in the US-led multinational Red Flag air exercise in Alaska, the South's Air Force said on Wednesday.

The two pilots ejected themselves from the double-seat fighter after an emergency situation occurred at around 4 p.m. Tuesday (US time) during takeoff from Eielson Air Force Base, according to the Air Force.

In a separate statement, the US 354th Fighter Wing confirmed the incident occurred on base within the fence line of the Eielson Air Force Base, while departing the prepared surface.

The scope of the aircraft damage and the circumstances leading to the accident were not immediately known.

"The two pilots visited a US Army hospital and are currently recovering. No major injuries were reported other than minor burns and lacerations," the Air Force said in a notice.

The KF-16 fighter, which was partially damaged due to a fire, remains parked on the grass near the runway, it added.

The Air Force plans to dispatch a team to probe the accident and carry out emergency maintenance later in the day, amid efforts to determine the exact cause of the accident under close cooperation with the US side.

The incident is the first known accident involving a South Korean fighter jet overseas, Yonhap news agency reported.

Launched in 1975, the Red Flag-Alaska exercise is designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment, according to the US military.

South Korea has deployed fighter jets to the exercise since 2013. This year, the South's Air Force mobilised 11 aircraft, including the KF-16 fighter and the KC-330 transport plane, and some 100 airmen.

Earlier on April 20, the Air Force had grounded nearly all of its aircraft after a KA-1 light attack aircraft accidentally released two gun pods and empty fuel tanks.

The aircraft taking part in nighttime drills over Pyeongchang, about 125 kilometres east of Seoul, jettisoned the parts in a mountainous area. No casualties or property damage had been reported.

In response, the Air Force had decided to impose flight restrictions on all of its aircraft, excluding those that conduct reconnaissance operations or were on emergency standby.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Glad the pilots are safe! This shows the importance of proper ejection systems in fighter jets. India should take note and ensure our Sukhois and Tejas have equally reliable safety mechanisms. Our pilots are national assets 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Interesting to see South Korea participating in US exercises while we maintain strategic autonomy. Though accidents happen, India's decision to focus on domestic exercises like Gagan Shakti seems wiser. Less logistical complications!
A
Amit S.
Minor burns and lacerations for ejecting at takeoff speed? These pilots are lucky! Makes me appreciate the risks our IAF pilots take daily along the China and Pakistan borders. Jai Hind!
S
Sunita R.
Second accident mentioned in the article within months for South Korean Air Force. While we criticize our defense forces sometimes, this shows aviation safety is challenging everywhere. Hope they find the root cause soon.
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Vikram J.
The KF-16 is based on the F-16 right? With Pakistan operating similar US jets, this incident data could be useful for our defense analysts. Every accident teaches important lessons about aircraft limitations.
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Neha P.
Multinational exercises are important, but at what cost? The environmental impact of moving 11 aircraft and 100 personnel across the globe for drills needs to be considered too. Climate change affects us all 🌏

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